Telkom fall short

October 27, 2008 12:00 am

By , NAIROBI, October 27 – Telkom Kenya’s dream of making to it to the World Club Championships was shattered by Heartland of Nigeria in a thrilling final played in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Kenyan representatives night lost 5-2 to Heartland in a dramatic final played on Sunday that marked the end of the Africa Club Cup Championships.

Jackie Atieno put Telkom in front in the 15th minute before Betty Tioni added the second goal in the 18th minute but the West Africans pulled a goal back in the dying minutes of the first half.

The second half of the match saw the hard working opposition grab four more goals to bring the final score to a 5-2 victory at full time.

Coach Joseph Openda expressed his disappointment at the loss having beaten Heartland 2-0 in a game played earlier in the group stages.

Openda cited some missed opportunities by the team in extending the goal tally against their foes who were showing great improvement.

The coach however praised the team’s overall performance despite playing in stifling heat.The had an impressive run in the tournament following their barren draws against Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens and Ghana’s CEES Club.

The 2-1 victory against compatriots Blue Eaglets, 1-0 win over reformers of Ghana, 3-2 success against Sharkia of Egypt and the 2-0 triumph against Heartland put them through to the final.

Meanwhile, team officials have lodged a complaint with the technical director of the tournament over some match irregularities and unfair play that were witnessed throughout the tournament.

The Telkom contingent is expected to come back in the country on Tuesday after finishing second in the concluded event.

Heartland who received the ticket will now represent Africa in the World Club Championships to be held in Spain, Barcelona in January next year that will also see four European champion clubs expected in the showdown.